Spring/Summer 2016

In This Issue: • Competitive Edge • Creative Ways to Fundraise• Join the Legacy Society• Our #1 Resale Store• and more!

87% of those we serve

are employed

Pictured: Competitive Edge graduate, Rhonda with Fox 4 Sports Anchor,Mike Doocy at 11th Annual Keyholder Breakfast

Our MissionTo provide programs for

individuals, families, and seniors that lead to self-sufficiency and

foster independence.

Board of DirectorsSusan Watson, Chair

Craig Woodfield, Past ChairPaul Crooks, Treasurer

John Roppolo, SecretaryBrian Boilla

Mary Ann BurnsReggie CarneySonja Dodds

Richard FlemingAndy Folmer

Margie GuntherDiane Moreau-Randall

Beccy RatliffJamie Robertson

Jan Rugg

LiaisonsPam Peña, C-FB ISD

Mark Hill, City of CoppellBob Garza, City of Carrollton

Kirk Connally, City of Farmers BranchDonna J. Hugly, Town of AddisonOscar Lopez, Brookhaven CollegeLou Sartor, Advisory Committee

Anthony Hill, Coppell ISD

Advisory CouncilCharles B. Heath

Scott OrrMike WhelanMike Sanborn

Lou SartorGary BlanscetBobby Burns

Thom Chesney

Gaining A Competitive Edge

Rhonda arrived at Metrocrest Services, as many do, because of an emergency. As a recently unemployed single mother, Rhonda had come to the end of her savings just before her utility payment was due. She met with a Case Manager to assess her situation and explore options to get out of her crisis and back to independence.

The Case Manager registered Rhonda for Competitive Edge - a four day interview and employment skills workshop which culminates in Hiring Day, when companies such as UPS, Monitronics, Sam Pack 5 Star Ford, and C-FB ISD, are on site to interview participants and, for some, make job offers. Rhonda successfully completed the Competitive Edge workshop and secured three interviews. To prepare, Metrocrest Services Employment Counselors connected her to interview attire, a salon haircut, and first impression gift bag.

Armed with an improved resume and renewed confidence, Rhonda tackled her outstanding debt, contacting each company to verify her amounts owed. She continued to work with her Case Manager on a budget to help her manage repayments and save. One week after Competitive Edge ended, Rhonda received 3 job offers; each paying more than $11/hr. She accepted a management position earning three times more than minimum wage. At her follow-up appointment, Rhonda thanked everyone at Metrocrest Services for walking with her during her crisis. She was proud to report that she no longer needed our services. From an initial need of utility assistance, we were able to assist Rhonda and her family with food and utilities assistance, and by connecting Rhonda to the skills, coaching, and resources to help her land her dream job earning more than she ever has before.

Since Competitive Edge began in 2015, 84 clients have participated—or “graduated” — and 62 have obtained jobs. Competitive Edge happens bi-monthly and is hosted by our Employment and Case Management Teams.

Competitive Edge is sponsored by:

Connect with Us!

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www.metrocrestservices.org Metrocrest Services | @metrocresthelps

Keeping the Golden Years Golden

Eat Smart, Live StrongA monthly program delivering fresh produce and healthy meal staples to seniors. This program is generously sponsored by Baylor-Scott & White - Carrollton.

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For more information on sponsorship opportunities contact Mike Harris at mharris@metrocrestservices.org or 972-446-2100.

TransportationFor area seniors and handicapped individuals using our door-through-door transportation service, making it to their medical or quality of life appointments is critical. Generous support from The Dallas Foundation added a Ford Flex to our fleet last year to help us meet local needs.

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Creative Ways to Fundraise

As a Metrocrest Services supporter, you’re invited to join an exclusive group of donors committed to building a stronger community together as members of the Metrocrest Legacy Society. By including Metrocrest in their estate planning through a will, trust, or bequest, Metrocrest Legacy Society members are building a better future for their family, friends, and neighbors.

Do you already have Metrocrest Services in your will or trust? If so, let us know.

For more information, visit metrocrestservices.org or contact Nicole Newkham at 972-446-2129 or nnewkham@metrocrestservices.org.

Join the Metrocrest Legacy Society!

For some teenagers, turning sixteen is all about hitting the road, but for Abby her birthday was about rolling up her sleeves and uniting her friends and family to raise money for her neighbors in need. Abby issued a request through Facebook and at her church that in lieu of presents, she’d like her guests to donate to Metrocrest Services to help reach her goal of $1,600. She reached her goal before her birthday, even inspiring an anonymous donor to further contribute to her cause!

In total, Abby raised over $2,190 for programs that benefit her neighbors in their time of need. Abby’s success started with a goal, which she shared with her friends and family, who then shared it with us. Together, Abby and her support system were able to raise enough money to 12,775 meals! Whatever inspires you in your community there are creative ways to show you care.

$2,190 for 12,775 meals!

Thank you, Abby!

Looking for some creative ways to fundraise?Here are some ideas:• Host a “baby shower” where your friends bring essentials like diapers and formula for babies whose families struggle to make ends meet.• Collect food with your workout buddies. For every pound you lose, donate a pound of food to Metrocrest! #pound4pound• Trivia buff? Host a trivia or game night for a small fee that is donated and watch as participants flex their brain muscle.

Whatever you do, have fun and make a difference. Have any more creative ways to fundraise?

Tag us on Twitter (@metrocresthelps) or on Facebook(@MetrocrestServices).

We want to hear from you!

Parks Coffee hosts a golf tournament that benefits Metrocrest Services.

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Become the 100th!

99 people have said “YES!” to providing consistent and reliable funding to programs that foster independency and self-sufficiency.

We’re counting on you to be the 100th!

Becoming a ChangeMaker, monthly giver, is easy. Fill out the envelope and mail it back to us or set up your recurring gift online at metrocrestservices.org. Select the amount that’s right for you and sow the seeds of change in your neighborhood.

Every dollar makes an impact. $1 provides5 meals for someone in need.

YES!

Stay in the Know

@metrocresthelpsFollow to get engaging articlesand the latest Metrocrest News

2X You’ve doubled the # of followers since the last newsletter!

Follow CEO, Tracy Eubanks @beselfless for more.

Like us on Facebook to see your photos featured, learn about urgent needs, and see what happens behind the scenes.

Do you support Metrocrest?Has your company hosted a drive? Have you volunteered?

Show people the cause you careabout and follow us on LinkedIn.

Sign up for our email list at metrocrestservices.org for personalized news delivered especially for you!

Hear about successes and more opportunities to build a stronger community together!

What’s New?

Thanks to you the Metrocrest Resale shop was named the resale shop of choice in Carrollton by Star Local Media. On top of that, your quality donations and newly discovered treasures raised over $500,000 for programs working in YOUR community! You have a choice where to donate your gently used household items, furniture, and clothing. We’re glad that you choose Metrocrest Resale –the only store supporting Metrocrest Services.

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Bent Tree Village 2661 Midway Road, Suite 207

at Trinity Mills in Carrollton

972-250-1900 (Call to request pick up)Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Accepting donations of:

• Furniture

• Home Decor

• Housewares

• Small and Large Appliances

• Clothing (for all ages)

• Shoes & Handbags

• Jewelry & Accessories

• Books & Music

Donating has become even easier:

For large items, call 972-250-1900 to schedule a pickup.

Look for our newly redesigned truck!

Ready to Donate?Pick up a bag — any bag — and fill it up! We can help you plan a donation drive at your office or church. Contact Nicole Newkham at nnwkham@metrocrestservices.org for more information.

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Sack Summer Hunger: June 11th - August 6th

When school ends so do the nutritious breakfasts and lunches provided to students through the Free and Reduced Price Meals program. Sack Summer Hunger fills the gap for students in Carrollton—Farmers Branch, Coppell, and Dallas Independent School Districts by providing a weekly distribution of food for breakfast, lunch, and a snack June 11th through August 6th.

YOU can help feed 1,750 kids when you:• Volunteer with a friend, a group, or your family - Warehouse teams are needed to sort bulk supplies of food into individual sacks. Register for one or more weekday shifts online. • Deliver food to participants on Saturday mornings. Teams of 2-3 are needed to pick up prepacked bags of food and take to designated pick up sites or directly to the homes of children. • Say “Yes, I’ll feed a child for 9 weeks” for only $54.Your dollars make it possible for us to obtain bulk food supplies at discounted prices.

Make 2016 a GREAT summer for local children!

For more information contact Nicole Newkham atnnewkham@metrocrestservices.org or 972-446-2100.

What’s Happening?

Back to School

For low income families, the costs associated with getting their children back to school ready can be more than their tight budgets can handle. Metrocrest Services steps in to make sure the families we serve receive everything they need for a fresh start to the new school year. Backpacks, haircuts, uniforms, school supplies, eye exams and glasses, and more are provided.

There are many ways you can help:• Host a school supply drive• Sponsor a child $30 provides supplies and a new backpack

for 1 child, $300 provides for 10 kiddos• Volunteer Sort donated supplies in August or help on

Distribution Day

For more information contact Tammy Payton at tpayton@metrocrestservices.org or 972.446.2100.

servicesmetrocrest

13801 Hutton Drive, Suite 150Farmers Branch, Texas 75234

Upcoming EventsBack to School Supplies

Donation DeadlineMonday, August 8

Metrocrest CROP Hunger WalkSaturday, September 17

North Texas Giving DayThursday, September 22

Seasons of ServiceMonday, October 17

972.446.2100 • metrocrestservices.org

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Why Volunteer? Here’s What Some of Our Volunteers Say…

“It’s fun! I really enjoy it

and it’s a way of giving

back to my community.”

“It starts my week

off RIGHT!”

“I LOVE being able to help clients with their needs and give them words of encouragement.”–LeAnn

“Volunteering givesme a reason to get upin the morning.”